General News
29 April, 2026
New link to Dunk Island
PASSENGERS using Dunk Island Resort’s ferry service can now hop aboard a connecting shuttle bus from the centre of Mission Beach town, saving them the bother of parking their cars at Clump Point Jetty.
The Mission Link shuttle service is free for passengers with return tickets on the resort’s ferry – priced at $66 (normal adult fare) – and its times match ferry departures.
‘Eco Tent’ guests can also add secure overnight parking in town for $10.
The resort ferry, a 42-seater catamaran, leaves twice daily, at 8.45am and 12.30pm, from Wednesdays to Sundays – and returns from Dunk Island at 10.30am and 3.30pm.
“We strongly encourage guests to leave the car behind,” Dunk Island Resort general manager Jason Blackburn said.
“Not only does this reduce congestion and parking pressure, it also means you can fully relax from the moment your holiday begins.”
The shuttle link and ferry service, for which the resort says pre-booking is essential, are part of Dunk Island Resort’s longer-term plan to “bring life back” to the retreat.
Owned by billionaire philanthropist Annie Cannon-Brookes, the resort property – which takes up a large chunk of the iconic island – is gradually being restored and improved after its devastation by Cyclone Yasi 2011 with a strong focus on “boutique dining” and camping.
The property also has a 30-year lease with Cassowary Coast Regional Council for the island’s public area, covering the campgrounds, amenities, a camp kitchen and a beachfront restaurant.
Mr Blackburn told The Observer that the resort is trying to make it as accessible as possible to all visitors and travellers.
“We’re pleased to offer a reliable, twice-daily ferry connection to Dunk Island, making it easier for visitors and locals to experience one of the region’s most iconic destinations,” Mr Blackburn said.
“The service has been designed to be simple and seamless, with coordinated transfers that help passengers get to and from the departure point with ease,” he said.
“We’re already seeing strong interest from travellers looking to explore – which is a great opportunity to support regional tourism and encourage more people to discover everything Dunk Island has to offer.”
In the meantime, another ferry service to the island – run by Dunk Island Adventures – is ready to re-start from 1 June, and is taking bookings for a once a day, seven-day a week schedule.
That ferry, the Quickcoast, recently finished undergoing repairs and maintenance after breaking its mooring at the island in January during winds and swell and drifted to the mainland just before Cyclone Koji passed through the area.
The property also has a 30-year lease with Cassowary Coast Regional Council for the island’s public area, covering the campgrounds, amenities, a camp kitchen and a beachfront restaurant.
Mr Blackburn told The Observer that the resort is trying to make it as accessible as possible to all visitors and travellers.
“We’re pleased to offer a reliable, twice-daily ferry connection to Dunk Island, making it easier for visitors and locals to experience one of the region’s most iconic destinations,” Mr Blackburn said.
“The service has been designed to be simple and seamless, with coordinated transfers that help passengers get to and from the departure point with ease,” he said.
“We’re already seeing strong interest from travellers looking to explore – which is a great opportunity to support regional tourism and encourage more people to discover everything Dunk Island has to offer.”
In the meantime, another ferry service to the island – run by Dunk Island Adventures – is ready to re-start from 1 June, and is taking bookings for a once a day, seven-day a week schedule.
That ferry, the Quickcoast, recently finished undergoing repairs and maintenance after breaking its mooring at the island in January during winds and swell and drifted to the mainland just before Cyclone Koji passed through the area.
Read More: Mission Beach